US2009791A - Cooking apparatus - Google Patents

Description

July 30, 1935. J. L. sHRoYER 2,009,791

COOKING 'APPARATUS Filed DSG. 4, 1951 2 Sheet-Sheet 1 If-lsV Attofneg.

July 30, 1935. 1 L, SHRQYER 2,009,791

COOKING vAPPARATUS Filed Dec. 4, 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig 5.

His Attorrweg.

Patented July 30, 1935 UNITED STATES COOKING APPARATUS Jacob L. Shroyer, Oak Park, Ill., assigner to Edison General Electric Appliance Company, i Chicago, Ill., a corporation of New York Application December 4, 1931, Serial No.'578,857 7 claims. (ci. 21e-19) My invention relates to cooking apparatus, more particularly to cooking apparatus provided with separable cooking plates, and has for its object the provision of an improved device of this character. v

My invention has special application to cooking apparatus provided with opposed 'andseparable electrically heated cooking plates, and has for a further object the provision of means whereby the utility of the apparatus is increased and its functions extended. More specifically, my invention contemplates the provision of electric cooking apparatus of this character for effecting in an eilicient and economical manner such cooking operations as toasting, baking., etc., and further, the provision of means whereby the apparatus can also be conveniently used for such operations as broiling and the like.

kIn carrying 'my invention into effect` in one form thereof, I provide suitable means for supporting the opposed heating plates whereby they can be moved from substantially horizontal cooking positions to cooking positions arranged at an angle to the horizontal. .It is contemplated that the plates will be arranged in their horizontal positions when it is desired to use the apparatus to toast bread or sandwiches, to bake pancakes, or to perform 'similar cooking operations, whereas when it is desired to broil steaks, bacon or other meats, the apparatus will be arranged with the plates in their inclined positions so that excess grease and juices from the meat can readily drain ofi from the cooking plates.

I further provide a suitable operating arm attached to one of the cooking plates whereby it can be moved with respect to the other plate, 4and will always position itself parallel with the latter plate regardless -of the thickness of the edibles placed between them and regardless of which of the cooking positions they happen to be in.

The operating arm is provided with a passageway through which the electrical conductors for the heating element of its attached plate are passed, whereby these conductors are concealed and protected from foreign matters, such for exampleas grease.

For a more complete understanding of my invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. l is a perspective view of electric cooking apparatus embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a vertical central sectional view of the cooking apparatus of Fig. 1, portions being broken away so as to illustrate certain structural details; Fig. 3 is a plan view partly adjusting means I8.

in section and with portions broken away so as to illustrate certain structural details; Fig'. 4 is an elevation partly in section of a certain leg structure used `in connection with my cooking apparatus; and Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view illustrating heating circuits for the cooking apparatus, together with certain control mechanisms for the heating circuits.

Referring to the drawings, I have shown my invention in one form in connection with electric l0 v cooking apparatus comprising upper and lower cooking or heating plates I0 and II. 'The upper plate preferably will be provided with a casing or cover member Illa.

These heating plates I0 and II are supported 15 erably will be formed into an integral structure;

and, as shown, the upper edges of these walls are folded inwardly upon themselves (Fig. 2), the lower ends of the folded portions being extended 30 horizontally into the casing so as to form a peripheral, horizontal ange I9. 'I'his flange or ledge I9 serves to support the lower heating plate II, this plate resting on sleeves Vor collars 2li which in turn rest upon the flange. 'I'he sleeves 35 20` receive suitable -screws 2I which are passed through apertures provided for them in the ange I9 and which have threaded connections with the plate II. 'I'he upper-plate I0 rests directly on the lower plate I I. The upper plate,

as shown, is attached to a suitable operating arm 24 which is pivotally attached to the base I2. As shown, a suitable hinge bracket 25 is secured as bymeans of screw fastening means 26 to the 45 rear wall I4 of the casing I2. This bracket is. provided with a pair of spaced supporting members 25a, through which members a pivot pin 26 on which the arm 24 is pivotally mounted is passed and supported; the arm 24, as shown, 50 extends transversely overthe heating plate and is provided with a portion 24a arranged substantilly atright angles to the transverse portion, the lower end of this projecting portion being pivotally secured to the pin 26. This pin may b5 .transverse portion ,I0 is somewhat smaller be secured in any suitable manner, as by means of retaining nuts 26a. a'

' 'Ihe upper plate Ill is pivotally attached to the of the arm 24 at substantially its central portion. As shown, the arm 24 is of tubular form. the arm being provided with a passageway extending throughout substantially its full length. This passageway at substantially the central portion of the transverse portion of the arm 24 opens toward the upper surface of the plate l0. The walls 24h of the arm at this central portion areextended laterally somewhat so .as to enlarge the opening and give it a substantially rectangular shape,` the walls as shown depending from the arm in flange-like form. It is to these depending flange-like walls that the upper heating plate I0 is pivotally connected. For this purpose the plate I0 is provided with walls defining a substantially rectangular hinge or bearing member 30 extending upwardly from its upper face and proportioned to be received within the depending walls 24b of the operating arm.- Extending laterally through the walls 24h of the arm 24 and also through the side walls of the bear-ing member 30 is a suitable pivot pin 3| secured in any suitable manner as by means of nuts 32 threaded on its ends. It will be observed that the member in length than is the opening provided for it in the hinge arm 24 so as to provide of the upper plate -relative to its supporting arm 24. l

The hinge bracket 25. as shown. has an upwardly extending portion 25h of channel shape and the general contourof the adjacent surface of the arm 24. This member 25h serves as a stop for the upper heating plate when the latter is in its completely opened position.

The hinged portion 24a of the operating arm 24, as shown, extends downwardly somewhat beyond the pivot pin 28. To the end of this extending portion is secured a suitable counterbalancing spring 33. As shown, one end 33a of this spring is attached to a spring stud 34 attached to the lower end of the portion 24a, while the other end 33h of the spring is attached to an adjusting bolt 34a passed through and supported by the front wall I5 of the base. It will be observed that this wall is provided with a head readily accessible to the attendant whereby adjustments in the tension of the spring 33 can be conveniently effected; It will be understood that the tension of the spring, will be adjusted to counterbalance the weight of the operating arm 24 and also the upper heating plate I0 so as to assist the attendant in opening and closing the plate. The rear wall I4 of the base is provided with a suitable aperture through which the end 33a of-the spring is passed to the arm 24. The arm 24 is provided with a suitable spring handle 35.

The lower plate Il preferably is provided with a peripheral flange 36. The upper plate l0 is arranged to rest on the side and iront portions of this flange. The rear portion of the upper plate is itself provided with a depending flange 31 which rests on the heating surface of the lower plate Il. It will be observed that these cooperating flanges denne a heating space between the plates Il and Il when the latter are closed, and that the flanges cooperate to provide a retaining wall for the edibles placed between the plates. The heating plates preferably will be provided with smooth uninterrupted heating for considerable pivotal motion baked on the lower surface or numerous other like cooking operations be effected.

For broiling purposes it is sometimes desirable to incline the heating plates somewhat so that excess grease and juices from the meat may be readily drained from the heating surfaces of the plates. For this purpose I have provided the front legs I1 of the device with extensions whereby the lengths of these legs can be increased to tilt the heating apparatus toward Vthe rear. As shown, these front legs I1 are provided with vertically arranged bores 40. Within these bores and arranged to slide therein are suitable extension members 4I. The lower ends of the extension members 4| are provided with enlarged portions or heads 42 arranged to conformv theA appearance of the front legs with those at the rear, which, as shown, have similar-heads 42a, and also to serve as stop members defining the extreme retracted position of the extension members. It will be understood that when these members 4I are in their retracted positions, the lengths of. the front legs will be substantially equal to those of the rear legs so that the plates I0 and Il will be supported in a' substantially horizontal position.

Suitable means are provided for locking the members 4I in their extended positions so that to the legs I1 so as to project into the vertically arranged bores 40. The projecting portions of these pins are received in vertically arranged slots 44 provided in the extension members 4I. As shown in Fig. 4, the upper end of each slot 44 is curved at substantially right angles to the remaining vertical portion of the slot. It will be observed, therefore, by reason of this slot arrangement that the members 4l can be withdrawn from their bores 42 and that by giving them a quarter turn the pins 43 will be brought into the upper horizontal portions of the slots 44, whereby it will be impossible for the .members to be moved to their retracted positions until they are again turned to bring the pins into the vertical portions of the slots. Preferably, the lower walls of the horizontal portions of the slots 44 will be formed. on an arc having a radius substantially equal to the radius of the locking pins so that when the pins are received in these portions the extensions 4l will be securely locked in their extended positions.

It will be observed that by reason of the above described construction in order to move the plates I0 and Il to their inclined position, it is merely necessary to withdraw the extension portions 4I and then give them a quarter turn to move thelocking pins into their locking portions of the slots 44. To return the plates to their horizontal positions it is merely necessary to give the extension members a quarter turn in the opposite direction to release them from the pins, the slot. 44 then receiving the pins to allow the members 4|- te be' returned le their. retracted positions. i

Preferably, the rear wall oi.' the ange fprofor broiling operations, the excess in grease andv juices will flow toward the rear oi the plates where it will pass through the spout 48 to any suitable receptacle (not shown) which may bev placed thereunder for receiving the grease and juices.

The'. cooking plates l0 and il preferably are cast from a suitable metal having a good heat conductivity, such as aluminum, and are heated by means of electrical heating elements 50 and 5l respectively which as shownare cast in the metal forming the plates. While any suitable electrical heating elements may be used, I prefer to use a sheathed element, such as described and claimed in .United States Patent No. 1,367,341, granted to C. C. Abbott, dated February 1, 1921. Briey, this element comprises an outer metallic sheath 52 (Fig. 2) in which a hellcally shaped resistance wire t3 is embedded in a compacted;V

powdered, heat refractory, electrically insulating material Se, such as magnesium oxide. It will be understood that these units can be bent easily into any desired shape.

is shown (Figs. 3 and 5), the heating element for the upper plate it is formed substantially in S-shape extending transversely o f the plate.

The end portions of this heating element are curved inwardly, as shown, and are connected to suitable terminal members 55 arranged at the .A central portion of the plate. Preferably, the extreme end portions 'of the `element 50 will be turned upwardly at right angles to the element, as shown in Fig. 2, so as to be embraced by the walls oi the pivot member 30.

The lower heating element 5I is formed in a pair ci .Ushaped loops 55a and Sib connected by a transverse portion Sic, as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 5. The extreme end portions of this lower heating elementare turned downwardly substantially at right angles to the body of the element and project into the casing I2 where suitable terminals 56 are provided.

It will be observed that the heating elements are arranged to heat their plates l and Il substantially uniformly over their cooking surfaces. This is rather important in connection with the type oi heating apparatus shown in that all particles of the edibles placed 'between the plates will receive substantially the same degree of heat.

Preferably the heating element I for the lower plate will have a capacity slightly higher than Ythat of the upper heating element so as to compensate for the heat losses by conduction from the lower. plate. This difference in capacity will be such that the plates'will be maintained at substantially the mme temperature.

The heating elements 5l and 5i are provided with suitable control means whereby substantially constant temperatures are maintained in the heating plates, and further, whereby the periods of the variousv cooking operations can be readily measured. These control means preferably will be substantially the same as those described and claimed in my copending appllcatio Serial No. 529,654, illed April 13, 1931. 1

The control for these heating elements includes .arranged the pilot lamp ill.

3 a temperature responsive device Il and a main control switch ll disposed inthe connections leading from a suitable source of electrical sup' ply 62,' shown dlagrammatlcally in Fig.- 5. An

auxiliary switch 63 is arranged in the connections provlded for the upper heating element ll whereby the latter may be cut out ot the heating circuit independently of the lower heating element 5i. In order to'measure the cooking periods, preferably in accordance with the temperatures maintained in the cooking plates, a

suitable signal device comprising a pilot lamp il and a time element controlling switch 65 therefor are provided.

The heating elements Sli and 5I are connected `in parallel, as shown, diagrammatically in Fig. 5,

and connected in parallel with these elements is connections for the two heating elements and pilot lamp shown as a twin supply conductor 56 are brought in at the lower wall i6 of the cas- .ing i2 through a bushing 6l formed oi a suitable electrically insulating material, such as porcelain. As shown, a knot 68 is formed in the cord above the bushing to prevent any possibility of damage or strain to the mechanism within the casing as by accidentally pulling on the cord.

@ne conductor l@ ci this twin supply conductor is connected directly vwith one of the terminals 563 ci the lower heating element, while the other conductor li ci the supply conducted' is connected to one terminal of the main control switch el. This switch preferably will be oi the toggle External electrical type and will be mounted Within the casing be conveniently operated. The other tel of the toggle switch di is connected by means of a conductor 'it to one of a pair ci iixed contacts 'i3 provided on the time switch @5 and i'rom this contact to one of a pair. of fixed contacts provided on the thermostat 8d by means of a conductor l5. The other llxed contact 'i4 ci! the thermostat is connected by means of a conductor 'le with the second terminal 56 of the lower heating element El. The remaining xed contact 13 of the time switch 55 is connected by means of a conductor T l with one side of the pilot lamp 66. The other side of this lamp is connected with the ill-st terminal of the lower heating element by means 'of a conductor 18. The two heating elements 50 and tl are connectedin parallel by means of a pair of conductors 80 and 8i which are passed between the heating plates and are electrically connected with the terminals4 55 and 58.

It will be observed that by reason of the foregoing elcctrical connections, the two heating elements 50 and 5l areconnected in parallel, and

trolling the heating elements I0 and Il to maine tain substantially constant temperatures .in the heating plates Il and il, preferably will be ot the form described and claimed in the United States Patent No. 1,743,073, granted to A.`H, Simmons, dated January 1930, although it will be understood that any other suitable thermostat may be used. Briey, this thermostat comprises the above-mentioned fixed contacts 14, a pair of movable contacts 82 for bridging the nxed contacts and a bi-metallic temperature responsive element 83 for actuating the movable contacts. The loi-metallic bar 63, as shown, is rigidly secured at one end by means oi a screw 83a to the lower surface of the bottom plate il and extends crosswise of the plate and in substantially parallel relation with it. The free end of the thermostat bar bears on one arm ci a U- shaped spring member tl, the other arm of which is seatecion a fixed knife-edge bearing dit, which bearing is secured in any suitable manner, as by means of a screw et, to the under surface of the heating plate. A temperature adjustment rod or shaft Si is provided to cooperate with the thermostat bar 83 whereby the temperature meintained in the heating plates can be varied. An adjustment screw @bis for changing the tension in the spring member @il is provided whereby the range between the maximum and minimum temperatures at which the circuit through the thermostat is opened and closed can be adjusted.

Secured to the central portion of the spring member Slt is a spring Contact member il@ on the free end of which are carried the bridging contacts t2. its shown, the bridging contacts cooperate with the hired contacts 'it so that when the contacts are in engagement the eleotrical circuit through the thermostat is closed, whereas when the contacts are out of engagement, the thermostat is opened. A suitable stop member is provided for the bridging contacts when in their open circuit position.

it will be understood that the U-shaped spring member lili serves' to snap the thermostat bar il?) quickly between its two operating positions and thus to quiclrly open and close the switch.

The arm 2G, as has been pointed out, serves to conceal and protect the conductors Si@ and @i passed between the heating plates Ill and li. As shown, these conductors are passed from the base le to the pivot pin 2@ about which they are coiled. One or more turns of the conductors will be formed about as sho-wn the pin will formed of a suitable electrically insulating material, such as porcelain. From' this pin the conductors are passed through the arm 25 to the pivot pin lli about which they are also coiled. From this pin they are directed to the terminals of the upper heating element to which they are secured. It willv be observed that the conductors 80 and 8l are not only concealed and protected by the arm 2t but also are secured at a plurality of points, viz., the pivot pins 26 and 3i, whereby they are protected against excessive strains.

In the operation of the heating -devices thus faidescribed, it will be understood that the bridging contacts 82 are heldin engagement with the xed contacts 'lt to maintain the heating circuits closed as long as the temperature of the heating plates I0 and i I are below a predetermined maximum value. Upon the occurrence oi' a predetermined maximum temperature the thermostat moves the contacts'quickly apart to open the heating circuit. After the heating circuit has been-opened and the temperature ot the heating plates, and consequently the temperature of the curved so as to guide the contacts this pin. Preferably and be covered with a sleeveV thermostat, begins to decrease, the 4thermostat bar will tend to move back to its closed position until finally upon the occurrence ot a predetermined minimum temperature, the thermostat will snap to quickly close its switch contacts. In this manner the heating circuits are controlled so as to maintain a predetermined heating plate temperature which is a mean between the maximum and minimum temperatures for which the thermostatic device is set to operate. lf the lower plate only is being used the thermostat will operate in the seme manner to maintain a substantially constant' cooking temperature.

The signal lamp iid of the time controlled signal means for measuring cooking periods is mounted in the casing I2 behind the front wall i5 in any suitable manner, and in the wall is provided an aperture for receiving a suitable glass lens 9i arranged in iront of the lamp and which preferably will have some suitable color, such as red.

The timing switch @s for controlling the pilot lamp, as shown, is supported on the bottom wail i6 oi! the casing i2. This switch comprises the above mentioned xed switching contacts lil, cooperating bridging contacts 92 for controlling an electrical circuit through the switch and e. timing clockwork mechanism Q3 controlling the motion oi the bridging contacts 92.-

The bridging contacts s2 are mounted on a suitable insulating supporting member 9G which is carried on one end of an arm plvotally mounted on a fixed pivot member 95. The inemu ber 63 is forked at one end to receive an actuating pin @l mounted on one end of the arm 35, and is biased away from the pin toward an insulating stop and guide member 9&3 by means of a suitable compression spring its. The stop member, es shown, is curved at one end, its left-hand end,

as viewed in Fig. ti, so as to provide a stop for the bridging' contacts' $2 when they are in their open circuit position. This member' is also 92 to the uned contacts 13: It will be observed that the mechanism thus-tar described constitutes a toggle switchl which operates to its open and closed circuit position with a snap action.

The switch is opened manually by means of an operating member i532. This member, as shown in Fig. 5, is of annular form so as to provide two lever arms m2o and m2o, es diagrammatically shown in Fig. 5. The end oi the arm i021: is fixedly pivoted by means oi a pin le@ to the iront wall l5 of the casing; the other arm i022) is connected, preferably at a point intermediate its ends, to .the free end of the lever 95 by means of a link |05. The operating member |82 is provided with a handle |05 accessible on `the exterior 6l the casing whereby the attendant can conveniently operate the switch. This handle, as shown, is co nested to the lever |62 bye-means of a pin |06 g. 2)

'passed through-a vertical slot |01 (Fig. 1) proivided for it 1n the from wan of the casing.

' The bridging contacts lare moved to their closed circuit position a predetermined interval of time after they have been moved to their open circuit position by means of the clockwork mechanism which is rendered eflective by the operation oi the lever |02 in opening the switch. In other words, the lever |62 performs two functions, vizi, to operate the switch toits open circuit position and at the same time to render the timing mechanism eiective to thereafter close the switch.

is a gear H3; this gear is connected through aA gear train comprising gear wheels ||4, |I5 and ||6 with the ratchet |II of a suitable escapement mechanism. This mechanism, as shown, further comprises a balance wheel I8 and an escapement I 20, the arms of which cooperate with the escapement teeth of the ratchet I1.

The energy for driving the clockwork mechanism is provided by means of a spring |2I. This spring is a tension springl having its one end connected to the lever 95 intermediate its pivot and the end which is connected to the lever |02 and its other end connected with a member |22 fixed to the casing. This spring member, as viewed in lig. 5, biases the lever arm S5 in a counterclockwise direction, .toward a suitable stop i23. A second tension spring 624 is arranged to operate the lever |02 in a-counter-clockwise directionunder certain conditions of operation, as will be pointed out hereinafter in more detail. This spring has one end connected with the lower end oi the lever arm m2o and its other arm connected with a xed member i 25.

The mechanical connection between the common operating lever 602 and the clockwork mechanism comprises a lever i2@ rotatably mounted on the winding spindle H0. One end oi this lever is connected by means of a link i2? with the switch lever 95 at a point between the pivot @t and the point vor" connection oi the spring |29; this link i 2l' preferably will loe connected with the member i2@ by a slotted connection |28 providing for limited movement of the connected end of the link longitudinally oi the lever |20.

Mounted on the other end of the lever 92S is an upright pin 329 on the upper end of which is rotatably mounted a pawi-like member |30 arranged at its' opposite ends with teeth i 3i and i32. These teeth cooperate with the cam i i As shown, the

` pawl-like member |30 isv biased in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, that is, in a direction toward the cam, by means of a suitablecoiled spring 33 mounted on the pin |29. The pawi member, as shown, is provided on its free end with a depending pin-like member |34. A suitable adjustable lever |35 is arranged on an axis substantially coincident with the axis of the timing spindle I |0 and is provided with an arm |35a to cooperate with the pin-like member |34 to adjust the timing periods, as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

The timing adjustment lever |35 is provided with an operating lever |36 (Fig. 2) pivotally mounted on the bottom wall oi' the casing I2 at a point back of thel timing mechanism; this lever is extended so as to project forwardly of the front wall I5 whereby itis accessible on the exterior oi' the casing. This lever is connected in any suitable manner (not shown) to the lever |35 whereby movement of the operating lever moves the lever |35 in a corresponding direction. It will be observed that by reason of this arrangement a relatively small arcuate movement of the lever |36 will impart a considerably larger arcuate movement to the member |35. This is oi advantage in'that it is desirable that the control arm accessible to the attendant have a comparatively small range of movement.

In the operation or the timing mechanism,

when the common operating member |05 provided for the contacts and clockwork mechanism is depressed the lever arm |02 will be rotated in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5, which operation moves the lever in a clockwise direction; this. operation causes the toggle switch to snap to its left-hand position to open the switch; this operation also moves the lever |26 in a. clockwise direction whereby the tooth |3I of the pawl |30 engages the cam and moves it in the same direction. As the arm |26 and pawl |30 are thus moved, the spring |33 operates to move the pawl in a clockwise direction on its pin |29 so that the tooth |32 falls behind a dctent |38 provided on the cam. It will be understood that during,

this clockwise motion of the cam the sleeve ||2 will rotate on the winding spindle H0, the latter being stationary.

The depressing movement of the handle |05 also tensions the springs |2| and |24 which thereafter will tend to return the various elements to their initial positions, shown in Fig. 5. The Vforce exerted by the spring |24 tends to return the lever 502 to its upper position, while the force exerted by the spring i 2| is transmitted to the link 927 and the arm |26 whereby the latter tends to rotate in a muntenclockwise direction. Motion in this direction, however, is retarded by the timing mechanism by reason of the fact that the tooth 32 oi the pawl member |30 in engaging the detent E38 locks the lever E26 with the timing mechanism through the cam i i; it will be understood that during this operation the frictional' force between the spindle ||0 and the sleeve ||2 will be suilicient to lock the spindle and sleeve together. 'I'he timing mechanism will thus operate until the pin 530 of the pawl engages the arm 535i; of the time adjusting lever |35. When this occurs the pawl will be moved'outwardly to disengage the cam whereby the arm |26 will be released and then quickly moved in a counterclockwise direction to its initial position by the tension spring' |2l. Thisr operation snaps the bridging contacts 92 to their closed circuit position, and the operating member |02 is returned `by the spring |24 to its initial position with its operating member |05 at .the upper end of its slot |01. By reason of the slot |02c (Figs. 2 and 5) between the arms |02b and the link |04, the return movement of the arm |02 to its initial position does not interfere with the movement of the arm 95. It will be understood that the above described operation may be repeated as often as is desired merely by depressing the operating handle |05.

To effect an adjustment of the timing periods,

it is merely necessary to move the lever |36 which in turn moves the lever |35 to adjust the position of the stop arm |35a.. Obviously, the adjustvment-of this stop arm controls the length of time that the clockwork mechanism will operate before the pin I 34 engages the stop; consequently the adjustment oi the stop arm controls the period of time that the switch will remain open after it has been moved to its open position by the operation of the handle |05.

The pilot lamp and likewise the conductors and switch mechanism are protected from excessive temperatures by means of a. shield |40 interposed between them andthe cooking plate This shield will be supported by the sleeves 20 on which ,the lower plate rests.

' by the lamp will be In the operation oi' the heating apparatus it will be/understood that for toasting and like operations, the heating plates l0 and Il will be supported in their substantially horizontal positions. It will be assumed that it is desired to toast sandwiches in the apparatus and that the apparatus is cold. The toggle switch 6I will be operated to connect the heating elements andthe pilot lamp circuits with the source oi electrical supply, it being assumed that the twin supply conductor E is plugged into a suitable supply plug. In view of the fact that the ,apparatus is cold the thermostat 60 will be closed to complete the energizing circuit for the heating elements; atfthis time the contacts of the timing switch also will be closed so as to complete :an-energizing circuit for the pilot lamp 64. Under these conditions the resistance elements Sil and 5i will begin to heat up the plates and the pilot lamp will be lighted. Eventually the heating plates will be heated to the maximum temperature for which the thermostat is set to open the heating circuit, whereupon the thermostat will open this circuit; the thermostat will then operate in the manner previously described to maintain a substantially constant predetermined temperature in the cooking plates. The apparatus is then in condition to be used.

The upper plate It will be elevated by means of the handle 35 and the sandwiches will be placed upon the heating surface of the lower plate il after which the upper plate will be moved to its closed position. lt will be understood that by reason of the pivotal connection between the up per plate and its operating arm 2d, the upper plate will move into a position substantially parallel with the lower plate irrespective oi the thickness of the sandwiches placed between them. The arm 405 will then be depressed. This operation of the arm will open the pilot lamp energizing circuit indicating that the cooking period has started, and will also render the timing mechanism effective to close the switch a predetermined interval oi time thereafter. Upon the expiration oi this period of time the timing switch will operate to close the pilot lamp circuit wherelighted thereby indicating that the toasting period has been completed. It will be understood that the timing mechanism will be adjusted by its lever 36 in accordance with the heating plate temperature maintained by the thermostat so as to insure a completely toasted product. After the attendant has been signalled that the toasting period has been completed, the upper plate will be elevated and the sandwiches removed. After this another batch of sandwiches may be toasted in the manner described, the toasting period as before being measured by the timing mechanism.

It may be that the cooking operations will require only the use of the lower heating plate Il. Thus, if it be desired to bake pancakes, it will be unnecessary to utilize the upper heating plate iii. For such operations, the upper heating plate I0 will be elevated and moved against the stop 25h, and the switch 63 controlling the heating element 50 of the upper plate will be thrown so as to open the heating circuit .for this element.

Otherwise, the operation of the apparatus will be substantially as that described; the thermostat 60 will maintain a substantially constant cooking temperature in the plate Il and the timing mechanism will operate as before to measure the cooking periods.

For broiling and like cooking operations it is usually desirable to elevate the front o! the apparatus Lby mean's of the extensions 4| provided on' the front legs il. For broiling and such operations the apparatus will be used in the manner previously described for the toasting and baking operations with the exception that the device -will be tilted toward the rear. Assuming that the cooking plates I0 and Il have been heated to the desired temperature, the upper plate will be elevated and the meat or other substance to be broiled will be placed on the lower heating surface, after which the upper plate will be returned to its cooperating position with the lower plate. By reason of the pivotal connection between the upper plate I@ and its operating arm 2d the plate again will parallel itself with the lower plate in spite of the fact that the apparatus is tilted toward the rear. During the broiling operations excess grease and juices from the meat will drain toward the rear of the cooking plates from which they will be drained through the drain spout dit. When the meat has been broiled for a predetermined length of time, which period will have been set by the setting of the timing device, the pilot lamp will be lighted indicating to the attendant that the cooking operation has been completed. whereupon, the attendant will elevate the upper plate and remove the edible which has been cooked.

t will be understood that for any of the cooking operations the thermostat .will operate to maintain the heating plate or plates at a substantially constant temperature so that each operation may be repeated, one after the other, without reheating the cooking plate or plates. It will be further understood that by reason or the time element signal means for measuring the cooking periods, a uniformly cooked product can be obtained, each respective cooking operation being a substantial duplicate of the preceding cooking operations.

While have shown a particular embodiment of my invention, it will be understood, of course,

that l do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications contemplate by the appended such modifications as iall within and scope of my invention.

What claim as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

l. Cooking apparatus comprising a pair ci? opposed heating plates, electrical heating means for said plates, a base supporting said plates, a supporting arm for the upper of said plates, means pivotally connecting said arm to said base, means pivotally connecting said arm to said upper plate and electrical conductors between said base and said upper plate, terminals for said heating means of said upper plate adjacent said means pivotally connecting said arm to said upper plate, said arm being provided with a closed passageway enclosing said conductors and directing them to said terminals.

2. Cooking apparatus comprising a base, a cooking plate fixed to said base, a second cooking plate cooperating with said first cooking plate, electrical heating means carried by said plates arranged to apply heat thereto, a closed tubular hollow arm for operating said second plate pivoted to said base, pivotal means connecting said second plate with said operating arm,'a spring member connected to counterbalance the weight of said operating arm and said second plate, electrical conductors passed through said hollow arm to the heating means of the plate attached to said arm and means securing said electrical conductors at a plurality of points in said hollow arm so as to prevent movement of the portions of said conductoxs between said secured portions longitudinally of said arm.

3. Cooking apparatus comprising a pair of opposed heating plates, a pivoted hollow supporting arm for one of said plates arranged to move said plate relative to said other plate, means pivotally connecting said arm to said one plate, electrical heating means for said movable plate, electrical supply conductors for said heating means directed through said hollow arm to said movable plate, and walls carried by said arm. and said movable plate cooperating to define a sul: stanI tially closed passageway for said conductors where they pass from said arm to said plate.

d. Cooking apparatus comprising upper and lower heating plates, walls on said upper plate dening a hollow hinge bracket, a hollow supporting arm for said upper plate provided with an aperture opening to said hinge bracket and with walls surrounding said aperture and cooperating with said hinge bracket to denne a substantially closed passageway between said hollow arm and said upper plate, means pivotally connecting said walls on said plate to said Walls on said arm, an electrical heating element for saidupper plate having terminals within said hollow hinge bracket and electrical supply conductors for said heating element directed through said hollow arm and said passageway to said terminals.

5. Cooking apparatus comprising upper and lower heating plates, an electrical heating unit,

carried by each of said plates, the terminals for the heating unit of the upper plate extending upwardly from substantially the central portion ofl said plate, walls on said plate surrounding said terminals, a base for said plates, a hollow arm pivotally secured to said base and having a portion extending over said upper plate, said hollow arm being provided with an aperture opening to the upper surface of said upper plate substantially at its central portion, downwardly extending walls on said arm surrounding said opening and the walls on said upper. plate so as to provide a substantially closed passageway between said arm and said upper plate, pin means pivotally connecting the walls on said arm with the walls on said upper plate, and electrical connections for said upper plate heating element directed from said base through said hollow arm and said pas sageway defined :by said walls to the terminals of said element.

6. An electric cooking apparatus having a frame, upper and lower heating elements, a hollow supporting arm pivoted to said frame, a pivot support extending upwardly from said upper heating element, a pivot for connecting said support and arm, and conducting wires leading to said upper heating element and passing within said hollow arm and pivot support.

7. Cooking apparatus comprising a pair of opposed cooking plates, electrical heating means carried by said plates, a base for said plates, legs attached to said base at the front and rear arranged to support said base with said cooking plates in a substantially horizontal position, the legs at the rear having enlarged heads fixed on their lower ends, and those at the front being provided with vertically arranged bores, extension memberswithin said bores arranged to be moved outwardly thereof to increase the effective lengths of said legs so as to 'support the front edges of said plates in an elevated position to iiicline said plates for broiling and like operations, means for locking said extension members in their withdrawn positions, and enlarged heads Aon the lower ends of said extension members arranged to engage said legs at the front so as to define the extreme retracted positions of said extension members in said bores and arranged when in said retracted positions to simulate the enlarged heads iixed on the lower ends of said legs at the rear.

JACOB L. SHROYER.

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